Spaling, 25, was a restricted free-agent who came over with Patric Hornqvist from Nashville in the James Neal trade. He had 13 goals and 19 assists (32 points) in 71 games with the Predators last season. With the Preds, Spaling played on both the power-play and penalty-kill, but will likely see a reduced offensive role on a talented Penguins team.

The Penguins have acquired Patric Hornqvist and Nick Spaling from Nashville for James Neal.

Spaling, who is a pending a restricted free-agent, had a strong season with the Predators in 2013-14. He goes to Pittsburgh where he will find himself in a third or fourth-line role. If he can repeat the 13 goals and 19 assists (32 points) in 71 games he had last season, the Pens will be more than happy.

The Predators have activated Nick Spaling (lower-body) from injured reserve.

Spaling missed the last five games with a lower-body injury, but will play tonight in Pittsburgh. His return will be overshadowed by the return of Pekka Rinne, but Spaling has been an important player for the Preds this season. He ranks ninth on the team in points with 22 (10G / 12A) and second on the team at plus-2.

Good sign for the fallen Spaling. Last season he produced eight goals and 14 points through 74 games but was better known for his playoff heroics. Look for him to play more of an important role this upcoming season.

Forward Nick Spaling did not partake in drills for the first on-ice day of training camp. On Friday, Coach Barry Trotz said Spaling was nursing a groin issue on top of his recovery from shoulder surgery.

Spaling scored 8 goals and 14 points in his first full NHL season, toiling mostly on the lower lines. After a strong postseason, he may be a candidate to push for more playing time.

Spaling recovered: In terms of other walking wounded, forward Nick Spaling described himself as, “Close to 100 percent” in regards to his shoulder. He underwent surgery in May for a torn labrum. Trotz said Spaling tweaked his groin a few days ago, but didn’t sound concerned.

Spaling scored 8 goals and 14 points in his first full NHL season, toiling mostly on the lower lines. After a strong postseason, he may be a candidate to push for more playing time.